Williamsburg, Ky. – University of the Cumberlands (UC) presented the Gorman Jones Campus Leadership award to Brook Blackburn (Pineville, Ky) during the annual Honors Day ceremonies on April 25th, 2011 in the O. Wayne Rollins Center.

She is the daughter of Roger and Sharlene Blackburn of Pineville, Ky.

Blackburn is a biology major and a human services minor and will graduate with high honor for having attained a minimum of 3.85 cumulative standing. Her involvement in student organizations includes: UC Dance team, the UC Mentoring program, house council, the Residential Assistant program, secretary of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, a member of Gamma Sigma Epsilon (chemistry honor society), and secretary for the Student Government Association.

Additionally she has served as a dental assistant for two years at a remote area medical clinic in Pineville and volunteered with various Mountain Outreach activities.

According to one nominator, Brooke is, “a conscientious and hardworking young lady whose academic merits are reflected, among other things in membership into Who’s Who, recipient of the Alden Award scholarship, and as a recipient of a STEM scholarship from the National Science Foundation.”

The Gorman Jones Campus Leadership award is presented to a graduating senior woman who exemplifies leadership as defined by the following statement: “Leadership is the ability to plan, organize, motivate and direct students towards goals consistent with the philosophy of the University.” Candidates must be active participants in student activities, be in good academic standing and are expected to receive her diploma in the May 2011 graduation exercises.

Blackburn was also inducted into the J.T. Vallandingham Honor Society on Honors Day. In order to be eligible for membership, a student must have completed at least 96 semester hours as a full-time student and have a 3.5 standing or better each semester. The student must have a cumulative standing of 3.7 or better. Students who have transferred to the University have a different set of rules depending on G.P.A. and number of hours taken at UC.

Located in Williamsburg, KY, University of the Cumberlands is an institution of regional distinction, which currently offers four undergraduate degrees in more than 40 major fields of study; nine pre-professional programs; seven graduate degrees, including a doctorate and six master’s degrees; certifications in education; and online programs.